Families East London Issue 87 Sep 2015

Issue 87 Sept/Oct 2015

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East London

East London’s premier free family magazine

Annabel Karmel Carole Ann Rice Clubs & Classes Places to Go Covering the boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest

Maths & English tuition centre For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities • Courses mapped to the National Curriculum.

• Adapts to the individual needs of your child.

• Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week.

• Award-winning tuition - voted Education Investor Supplementary Education Provider of the Year.

“Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.”

Independent Efficacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). See www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

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Contents Issue 87 | Sept/Oct 2015 | Families East London

This Issue

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4 Back to School 10 Halloween Costumes, Crafts, Masks

and Decorations

Regular Features 8 Annabel Karmel 14 Ed’s Reading Room

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15 Clubs & Classes 17 Places to Go

Welcome Families East London Magazine 120 Brent Street, Hendon, London NW4 2DT For all news and features contact: editor@familieseast.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all advertising enquiries contact: adverts@familieseast.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all web enquiries contact: adverts@familieseast.co.uk or call 020 8202 2034 For all listing enquiries contact: listings@familieseast.co.uk

to our Back to School issue. We hope you enjoyed your summer. Now as our thoughts turn back to school and a new term we hope you enjoy our articles and words of wisdom!

Do let me know if you enjoyed the magazine by email to editor@familieseast.co.uk.

I wish you all a happy new term.

Until next time‌ Sharon Editor

Families East London Ltd cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, details are subject to change and Families East London take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any material. All rights reserved.

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back to school

New School Rules – Words of Wisdom!!!

By Alison Hathaway.

(We hope this raises a smile). As we head back into another academic year, Families East offers a few handy and fun reminders about the behaviour expected of new school mums, and a quick refresher course for those who have already done playground time.

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Thou Shalt Run Late No, we are not talking about after-dark jogs (one great benefit of being a mum is that you’ll never ever have time to exercise again – so you can stop making excuses and wasting money on gym membership). We’re talking about constantly being five minutes behind where you ought to be, first thing in the morning especially. Can you lie in until 8.30am and still get the kids to school by nine? We think you probably can, especially if you don’t feed them any breakfast – and you can have yours when you get home.

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Thou Shalt Forget Stuff Ginny’s tutu, Timmy’s football kit, Johnny’s packed lunch (if you even remembered to make it in the first place) – yes, you’ll forget all of them. Or maybe Timmy will get the tutu, and Ginny will get the football kit, and you’ll get the packed lunch (yum!). Or you’ll tie-up the dog outside the school gates and only remember she’s still there the following morning when you wake up at 8.35am wondering why the house is so strangely quiet.

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Thou Shalt Bake Cakes for the PTA Everyone loves a good PTA cake sale – and you’ll be expected to contribute. Aim to spend most of preceding day baking. If your kids are like mine, they’ll then buy back all the cakes you’ve spent the previous day making, with the end result that you’re five quid poorer and have now got to carry the wretched things all the way back home again.

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Thou Shalt Cut Corners You’re going to be busy. Really busy – especially taking into account all those cakes you’re going to have to bake. So cut down on non-essentials. We think you only really need to vacuum two-thirds of every carpet and mow half the lawn, and if the

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packet says cook the pasta for ten minutes, we reckon eight will do. And as for washing, well if the family underwear begins to smell, try turning it inside out.

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Thou Shalt Embarrass Thyself at Mums’ Nights Out It’s not just your kids who are going to make lots of wonderful new friends at school. It’s vitally important for your children that you fully immerse yourself in the life of the school and bond with your fellow parents.

So grit your teeth and get out there, forcing down that fifth glass of Cab-Sav, reluctantly ordering that Death by Chocolate desert and arm-wrestling your new chums for the right to have first crack at the gorgeous Spanish waiter. The sacrifices we make for our kids, eh?

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Thou Shalt Eat Chocolate and Other Stuff And while we’re on the subject of chocolate, remember that you’re going to need to keep yourself properly in shape. We’re talking a balanced diet here. Champagne and caviar, for instance. Or Chardonnay and chocolate. Or strawberries and cream. Or . . .

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Thou Shalt Host Playdates As for your children’s friends, consider them a strategic resource. Inviting your child’s friends around for a playdate can earn you some valuable chocolate and Chardonnay time, assuming they can entertain themselves.

If not, simply lock them both in your child’s bedroom (taking care to secure windows beforehand) and challenge them to get out.

Pretend it’s a game (it’s not). Never, however, agree to a sleepover under any circumstances.

Or only if you’re away for the night and your own parents are babysitting.

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Thou Shalt Carefully Monitor Screentime Experts say excessive time spent

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watching TV or playing video games can damage young minds. We agree, although we’d would also like to note that about the only time the horrors aren’t bugging us is when they’re plugged into the Playstation or similar. We suggest compromising at no more than four hours’ screentime per day – just long enough for a relaxing facial, pedicure and lunch with friends.

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Thou Shalt Feel Stupid Doing Homework Don’t be surprised when your children start asking you some awkward questions.

And not just ‘Mummy, mummy, where do little babies come from?’ but also things like ‘How do you divide 214 by 17.5?’ and ‘What’s the capital of Namibia?’ and ‘How do you define post-modernism within the Aristotelian philosophical tradition?’ Tell them to look on the computer (see Rule 8 above).

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Thou Shalt Sit Through School Plays and Christmas Shows And your own children will never have any lines – and indeed might not even be visible, having been cast as ‘Rear End of Pantomime Goat’ or similar. Which doesn’t mean you won’t be expected to bring the camcorder, record the entire show, and then sit down back home and watch it all over again.

Alison Hathaway’s new novel, ‘Class’ – a tale of twisted love, even more twisted parents, PTA politics and how to cook the perfect mashed potatoes – is out now on Amazon Kindle (bit.ly/ classkindle).

Follow Alison Hathaway on Twitter @ChalfenMagna or visit the website www.AlisonHathaway.co.uk for news and special free book giveaways.

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back to school

Helping your Child with Maths

By Rob Eastaway

Get ready for a maths test. Don’t worry, it doesn’t involve quadratic equations, and you won’t need a slide rule or even a pencil and paper.

You just need to imagine that a 10 year old girl has asked you for help with her homework.

Which of the following would you be able to explain to her?

• • • • •

Partitioning Number Bonds Multiplication with the grid method Arrays Division using chunking

You probably found that tough. In fact, I’m prepared to bet that, however good you think you are at maths, you scored very low in that test. Most parents and grandparents score zero, which is a bit worrying given that this terminology is now commonplace in primary schools across the UK. I’ve always been confident in maths, but even I was intimidated by the new teaching methods. When my daughter started primary school, I was annoyed too because I realised that when it came to explaining how to do things, I was stuck with methods that would mean nothing to her. I was reminded of a friend who sat down to help his son with long division, only for the boy to run off to mum screaming ‘Dad isn’t helping, he’s just confusing me!’

So now that I have got to grips with the new methods and language, what advice can I give you?

First of all, relax. Like all jargon, this new language is intimidating, but the methods behind it aren’t actually new at all. One mother, who was terrified about having to learn ‘grid multiplication’ discovered with great relief that it was actually very similar to an improvised method she used herself.

Secondly, remember that maths is far more than just the arithmetic children learn at school. It’s the maths they learn while playing board games and helping with the cooking or shopping, which really gives children a sense of numbers and how they fit in the real world. One day, your kids are playing Monopoly, the next they are looking for the best interest rate deals available,

or working out the hidden charges on their mobile phone contract!

For those most comfortable with the traditional shorthand methods of long multiplication and division, the good news is that those methods ARE still taught, usually after children have been introduced to the other more intuitive methods. In fact, one of the legacies of Michael Gove’s period as Education Minister is that old-fashioned arithmetic – including knowing times tables up to twelve – is once again knowledge required by all children when they leave primary school. So children will still be expected to do things like ‘borrow one and then pay it back.’

A cautionary tale though. A teacher I met taught subtraction using the traditional method.

One day she set a test, which included the calculation 52 take away 16. One boy in the class spotted that you can’t take 6 away from 2, and he knew that this meant he had to borrow.

But where from? He noticed that the date was 24 November, so he decided to borrow 4 from the date and add it on to the 2! Everything on the page now added up correctly, as long as the teacher was prepared to accept that he had managed to go back in time four days!

The problem was that Stuart had been taught a mechanical method of arithmetic without any understanding of what it meant.

That is why some of the ‘new’ methods, such as grid multiplication, are so useful for many children. They tend to be a bit slower, but they are more visual and children can usually understand them much better than the more efficient ‘black box’ methods that their parents learned.

In the end, the most important thing is that your child becomes confident in dealing with numbers. The more they enjoy the maths that they do, the more they will practise, and the better they will get. By the time they are 18, few of them will be using long multiplication or any other written method – they’ll be working things out in their heads or using a calculator, like you do. But they will have gained a deeper understanding of numbers and problem-solving along the way, which will be essential in their adult life.

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Find out how your child can benefit from Explore Learning membership today.

Book your free trial at www.explorelearning. co.uk.

PHARMATON We all know what it’s like to feel physically and mentally exhausted from a busy day at work or with the kids and coping with everything can be an everyday battle.

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Rob Eastaway is co-author of Maths for Mums & Dads published by Square Peg (Penguin Random House) RRP £10.99.

To advertise in Families East London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familieseast.co.uk

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back to school

Bancroft’s School

High Road Woodford Green Essex IG8 0RF Founded 1737 A Tradition of Excellence

Independent, fully co-educational, HMC day school for 7 – 18 year olds

Open Events 2015 For Entry September 2016

7+ Entry Saturday 17 October at 10 am until 12 noon

11+ Entry Monday 21 September at 7 pm until 9 pm Saturday 28 November at 10 am until 12 noon We ask visitors to arrive promptly for the Head’s introductory talk. Please note there is limited parking on the School site.

Generous Academic, Means Tested and Music Scholarships available For further details, including information about Scholarships, telephone: 020 8505 4821 or see our website

www.bancrofts.org

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back to school

The London Nanny Consultant talks about the best ways to prepare your child for nursery or school.

Starting nursery or primary school is an important milestone in a child’s life. I have helped many parents deal with mixed emotions and it is crucial not to pass on these feelings to your child.

Keeping the event as low key as possible is tantamount plus following these simple tips can make the transition smooth and easy.

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For nursery If your toddler has attended day care, playgroup or classes then you have a head start. These provide important first steps towards independence (even if you have remained with them).

Re-enforcing these skills at home will build on their confidence. Some skills can take a little longer to master e.g. tying shoes or doing up zips. Hold off buying shoes with laces for year, when they will be more ready to master them, but don’t make it too easy for them as, with practice, they should be able to do buckles and can continue working on zips.

Some children can become anxious about school meal times. Try to get hold of a school menu and talk to your child about the food available at school.

Consider preparing some of the dishes (or similar versions) at home so that your child knows what to expect. Help them learn to use a knife and fork so that they can cut the food and feed themselves.

Most children can start to master this skill from the age of four.

If your child is taking a lunch box involve them in planning a weekly menu.

Ensure all the food groups are covered.

Don’t worry if they don’t eat it all. If they have a nutritious breakfast and dinner and a healthy snack after school then over the week everything will balance out.

A lunch box doesn’t just mean sandwiches there are lots of alternatives e.g.

• H elping them socialise with other children.

• Introducing them into a structured environment outside the home.

Leaving them with another responsible adult such as a grandparent, friend or babysitter also helps. If you have experienced issues with stranger/ separation anxiety don’t worry. This is all part of their development from around nine months and does not mean you will have issues when they start school.

The teacher will advise you on the best settling-in approach in the beginning.

Reading them stories about starting school gives them the opportunity to talk to you about it and will give them an idea of what to expect.

For children starting primary school They will have worked on skills at nursery such as:

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Going to the toilet.

Washing their hands.

Tidying up.

Dressing/Undressing.

Noodles, vegetables and chicken.

Rice, vegetables and fish.

Pasta dishes.

Couscous dishes.

Quiche.

Crudities.

Falafels

Even with sandwiches there are numerous types of bread e.g.

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Pita.

Tortillas.

Bagels.

Muffins.

Cholla.

Have fun shopping in the supermarket for varieties! You could trial picnic lunches

over the summer on days out or at home.

Don’t buy the school uniform too early, start half way through the summer holiday (sometimes items may sell out or need advance ordering) and try to buy slightly bigger as children grow fast.

Letting your child pick out pencil cases or storage containers for packed lunches and other equipment is also fun. Just remember to keep everything easy to use and practical!

If they don’t know any children in their class, arranging play dates is a good idea. This makes the transition easier and helps you get to know some parents too.

If your child already knows some of the children but is not seeing them over the summer then arrange play dates towards the end of the holidays to help them get reacquainted.

In the week leading up to school work on the morning routine; • • • •

Getting up on time.

Getting dressed.

Eating breakfast at a reasonable rate.

Washing, brushing teeth and hair.

This gets them in the habit, makes the mornings less stressful, and helps you figure out how much time you need.

You can even do a dry run in the car if you want to feel really sure!

Transitioning to school is a fun time and major milestone. If you work on all of the above areas then it should go generally smoothly for everyone!

For information on child and baby related consultations Miranda Tibble can be contacted at www.thelondonnannyconsultant.co.uk.

Miranda is a Norland trained Nursery Nurse and advises parents on issues such as eating, sleeping, behaviour, discipline, routine, dummy removal, potty training, sibling rivalry and baby/child development and activities.

To advertise in Families East London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familieseast.co.uk

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annabel karmel

Awesome After School Snacks When children come home from school, they head straight for the infamous biscuit tin. When children are hungry, they simply won’t wait which is why it’s so easy to grab a biscuit or a packet of crisps. I’ve teamed up with Families East to give you some recipe inspiration for quick and easy after-school snacks so you can satisfy hungry tums until teatime. Enjoy!

Chicken, Cheese and Tomato on Toast

Chicken and Sweetcorn Quesadilla ½ tsp sweet paprika 1 chicken breast, sliced into thin strips 1 tomato sliced 4 spring onions, sliced 4 tbsp sweetcorn 50g Cheddar cheese, grated 4 small tortilla wraps

2 slices wholemeal bread A knob of butter 50g cooked chicken, chopped 20g cheddar cheese, grated 1 tbsp snipped fresh chives 1 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tomato, deseeded and diced

Method 1. Mix the paprika, chicken and seasoning together.

2. Heat a little oil in a pan. Fry the chicken until brown and cooked through. Set aside.

3. Put one wrap in the pan.

4. Mix the chicken, tomato, onion, sweetcorn and cheese together. Put half of the mixture on top of the wrap. Put another wrap on top and press down.

5. After a few minutes, carefully flip over and cook on the other side for 2 minutes.

Slide onto a plate and slice into wedges.

Method 1. Pre-heat the grill.

2. Toast the bread in a toaster then butter one side and place it on a baking tray. Mix the chicken, cheddar, chives, mayonnaise and tomato together and spread on top of the toast.

3. Grill until bubbling. Remove the crusts, then slice each toast into four strips.

Makes 8 fingers

Makes 2 portions

Keep little ones busy this summer with Annabel’s BRAND NEW Family Cooking app.

As well as lots of simple, tasty recipes, it includes a special Kids Rule the Kitchen cooking course designed to feed young imaginations whilst teaching essential cooking skills. Available via the App Store.

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Mini Vegetable Balls 2 carrots, peeled and grated 1 small courgette, grated 75g butternut squash, peeled and grated 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped ½ tbsp chopped fresh thyme 50g mushroom chopped 50g parmesan, grated 150g breadcrumbs 1 small egg, beaten 1 ½ tbsp tomato ketchup, plus extra to serve 1tsp soy sauce a little plain flour 2 tbsp olive oil Method 1. Put the grated carrots, courgette and squash into a clean tea towel or muslin cloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

2. Tip into a mixing bowl and add all the remaining ingredients except the flour and the olive oil. Stir to combine and, using damp hands, shape the mixture into 24 little balls. Put the flour on a plate and roll the ball in it to coat.

3. Heat the oil in a larger frying pan.

Add the balls and fry for about 5 minutes or until lightly browned. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your pan.

4. Allow to cool a little and serve with ketchup.

Makes 24 veggie balls

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health and happiness Carole Ann Rice is one of the UK’s leading life coaches and has run her own coaching practice for 12 years. She is author of two books Find Your Dream Job and Start Your Dream Business and has her own column Happy Mondays each week in the Daily Express. Her coaching academy www. purecoachingacademy.com is training people to be become coaches from all over the world.

Stop People Pleasing – Now!

Melon Flowers Honeydew Melon Cantaloupe Melon Watermelon Grapes Bamboo skewers Straws Method 1. Using cookie cutters, cut out flower shapes from the various melons and then cut out circles in the centre of each flower.

2. Using a small round cutter or a melon baller cut out small circles or balls of melon and insert them in the centre of each flower.

3. Push the tip of bamboo skewer through the flower and cover with a straw and thread a couple of grapes onto each of the straws.

4. You can arrange the flowers by pushing the end of the straws/skewers through the skin of an upturned melon.

Ewan the Dream Sheep SweetDreamers, the brand behind the famous ewan the dream sheep, is thrilled to unveil a new ‘fleece’ for its multi award winning sleep aid. Introducing ‘ewan the grey’, the newest member of the flock, who officially goes on sale today. SweetDreamers certainly don’t miss a ‘bleat’ as grey is undoubtedly the must have colour for 2015. Gender neutral and calming, grey is a fantastic colour theme for a nursery, the perfect place for ewan.

RRP: £29.99 Stockist: www. sweetdreamers.co.uk

Families East loves

Life Coach Carole Ann Rice looks at how you can please yourself and keep your friends too.

• W hat is the cost of needing to be liked?

• What would it take to value myself more?

• What do I want from others?

• What do I need to trust in order for me to speak up for myself?

Do you worry inordinately about what people think of you? Would you rather bite your tongue, swallow back your true feelings and ‘go with the flow’ than say what you really think? If you frequently feel misunderstood, overlooked or powerless in situations which, deep down you know are of your own making, then you could be one of life’s people pleasers.

You pride yourself on being ‘nice’, of putting other’s needs before your own and yet sometimes it can feel as though nobody puts you first or understands what you really want. It may feel good at the time to fit in and be accommodating to others, perhaps it makes you feel loveable and needed. But being easy-going may mean you are treated as a dog’s body or a pushover.

People pleasers may on the surface desire harmony but underneath may be people riddled with self doubt, can often feel isolated and alone and someone who certainly is not their own best friend.

If this is you then you’ll recognize the signs. From going along to another party you’d rather avoid to lying sleepless in bed wishing you’d had the courage to say the things you really believed in.

One of my clients, a self-confessed people pleaser, said ‘when I am being nice I’m telling a lie’ as he knew it was a coverup for his real feelings which he didn’t respect enough to express.

If you can relate to this here are some coaching questions to ask yourself and some practical tips to try to go from people pleasing to pleased person. Ask yourself:

Practical tips to try today: • V olunteer less • Say ‘no’ more often to small things and build your confidence gradually • Have healthy boundaries with others • See how people respect others who know and express their own mind • ‘Get’ that it’s entirely OK to have opinions and desires different from others.

• Dare to be true and authentic. Being you is entirely enough.

Worried about what people think about you? The bad news is that other people talk and think about you a lot less than you would imagine. They are far too occupied thinking about themselves.

What is important is what you think of yourself, liking what you know and truly accepting the good in you and that ‘

Say ‘no’ more often to small things and build your confidence gradually. www.realcoachingco.com

• W hat am I really scared about people knowing about me?

• Why am I trying to please people all the time? What do I get out of it?

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halloween

Crafts and Decorations Have fun with a few simple art and craft activities which will transform your home into a witch’s cavern or haunted house this Halloween. Create lanterns, flying bats and bunting or make a scary, floating ghost by wrapping a piece of white material or a white bin bag over a balloon and drawing on a spooky face. For a Halloween feast, or tea party, use a paper plate and card shaped into a cone to make a witch’s hat as a table decoration. Add a lantern and some creepy treats to create the perfect setting for a spooky supper! Try some of the ideas on these pages!

Halloween Bat Make this Toilet Tube Bat to decorate your house, as a spooky present or to take to a party! Una Fagan from Happy Potter Ceramics (www.happypotterceramics.co.uk) tells us how.

Instructions Materials: Toilet roll tube, black poster paint, black card, scissors, string, sticky tape, coloured poster paint or goggly-eye stickers 1. Fold the top of the tube inside to create two points making ears. Then, turning the tube sideways, do the same again to create a point at the bottom making the shape of a bat’s body.

2. Once folded, paint the whole toilet roll

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tube in black poster paint for a really scary bat look.

3. Take a piece of black card and fold it in half, then draw two small curves at the bottom to create spiky bat wings. Cut this into shape.

4. Fold the piece into a concertina zig-zag shape to give the wings lots of body and make some scary shadows.

5. Cut two small holes on each side of the tube where the wings should go, then thread the folded wings through.

6. Open up the wings and fold them into shape. Add some spooky eyes with paint or goggly-eye stickers. Tape some string to the back, and get ready to scare all of your friends with your frightening hanging bat!

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halloween Trick or Treat Bag Make this simple but colourful trick or treat bag or box that is perfect for your toddler!

Liz Berry from Little Acorns Art Club (www. littleacornsartclub.co.uk) tells us how.

Instructions 1. Use coloured bags or boxes (can be bought from shops like Hobbycraft or Yellow Moon) and buy some stickers which your child can stick onto the bag/ box. Alternatively, get your child to paint a brown or white paper bag orange/ black/purple and allow to dry. Add a pumpkin shape, eyes, nose, stalk, mouth and stars and shapes that you’ve cut out from either felt or foam pads.

2. Let your child stick these on with PVA glue and allow to dry.

Once complete, your child can take their little bag out for trick or treating!

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Halloween Lantern Create a stunning but easy-to-make Halloween lantern to decorate your garden or window. Amanda Wright from Storytelling Adventures (www.bridgeac. com) tells us how.

Instructions Materials: 2 pipe cleaners or pieces of garden wire, glue, tissue paper, patterned wallpaper or wrapping paper, scissors.

1. Cut the patterned paper and tissue paper into strips of the same size

2. Cut shapes into the patterned paper 3. Stick the tissue paper onto the back of the patterned paper and stick the paper strips onto the jar 4. Twist the two wires together into a crucifix shape. Turn the crucifix upside down so that the long end or ‘tail’ points straight up.

5. Place the horizontal wire that forms the cross of the crucifix around the rim of the jar, twisting the ends together to secure. Then bend the long’ tail’ up and over the top of the jar. Twist the ‘tail’ to the horizontal wire to secure the handle.

6. Place a tea light inside and your lantern is ready!

Trick or treat Etiquette

By Justina Gapper

Glow in the Dark Fabric Monsters Create a friendly little monster to light your way on the treacherous trick or treating trip!

Fiona Harvey from Artyard Handmade (www. artyardhandmade.co.uk) tells us how Materials and Instructions 1. Gather scraps of material (from around the house or bargain bins/scrap tubs at fabric stores), paper, pen, pins, needle and thread, wadding or toy stuffing, battery operated tea light. Buttons and ribbon optional.

2. Draw a simple shape for your monster.

An oval with straight bottom edge works best as it’s simple, but you can choose any shape. Remember, you are going to have to sew it up, so the more curves, the trickier the sewing.

3. Cut out your shape using paper scissors.

4. Pin your shape onto your fabric to stop it sliding it around, then cut two monster shapes from the fabric. Use two different fabrics if you want to mix it up, or the same colour all over.

5. Pin your back and front together with the right sides facing each other. Sew you monster together leaving a gap for the stuffing. Turn your fabric inside out through the gap remaining, so that the right side of the fabric is on the outside.

Place half your wadding inside, making sure you push it gently into every area of the monster’s body. Just before adding the last bit of wadding, pop the tea light inside and nestle it inside, then fill to the edge and sew up.

6. You can add a few extras such as button eyes, a ribbon round his neck and a bit of punky hair!

If you and your children are going trick or treating for the first time, here are a few guidelines.

What age can children start?

There’s no minimum age! Many parents enjoy dressing-up and venturing out with their toddlers, whilst others take babies along in prams with older siblings.

What are the rules?

Only approach homes that have a visible ‘invitation’ – whether it’s a pumpkin, lantern or other Halloween decorations displayed.

Don’t knock if the lights are off and don’t knock more than once. Alternatively, you may decide to knock only on doors of friends and neighbours that you have pre-warned of the visit!

What if my children don’t like the treat?

Make sure your children are briefed to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ in addition to ‘trick or treat,’ plus they should try to be appreciative of any treat they are given.

What’s the trick all about?

The word ‘trick’ refers to the ‘threat’ to perform mischief on the homeowners or their property if no treat is given. These days it is uncommon to have raw egg splattered over your driveway by pranksters, but it’s safest not to answer the door to raucous groups of older teenagers, or if you suspect your visitors are not well-intentioned. If you are asked for a ‘trick,’ what should you do?

One harmless but funny idea is to get the homeowner to close their eyes and put their hand in a witch’s hat or toy cauldron filled with a gooey mess or plastic spiders, rubbery worms and insects.

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halloween

Costumes and Masks Halloween is all about becoming someone – or something – else. Whilst there’s a huge range of costumes for sale these days, it’s fairly simple to create the same effect at home with a few swathes of material and a little imagination.

Whilst traditional spooky characters are always popular with children ‘not everyone wants to be scary, which is why cats are so popular, especially with younger children’ reports Adrienne D’Souza, proprietor of costume and accessory shop A Party Palace.

Masks can quickly transform your child into a different character and even youngsters can use paint or stickers to create monsters, ghouls or animals. Cut out simple shapes from card, or buy plain masks to decorate at home, advises Amanda Wright, who runs Storytelling.

Adrienne D’Souza from A Party Palace (www.apartypalace.co.uk) tells us how to make some Halloween costumes:

Cat Homemade cat costumes are fairly straightforward to create and both boys and girls tend to love to becoming cats – as long as they can accompany the costume with a jolly good meow!

Instructions 1. Find black leggings/tights and a black top 2. Stuff one leg of an old pair of black tights with newspaper or other material for the tail 3. Cut out pointy black ears from some card and attach them to a hairband 4. Use face paint for whiskers and a nose

age range 18 months - 10 years

Real Skills Real Fun E3 / E8 / N19

Training sessions, courses and parties across London

020 7937 7965 Find your local class

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halloween Mummy

Monster Mask

Much fun and great effect can be created from wrapping up your child as a mummy – as long as you are prepared to let them wrap you up too!

Fiona Harvey from Artyard Handmade (www.artyardhandmade.co.uk), which offers children’s art/craft workshops and courses, shares her mask idea.

Instructions 1. Cut up an unwanted white sheet or use any old white material or bandages that are lying around.

Get wrapping!

2. For extra effect, tea stain material or dab with black poster paint 3. Put on white, cream or light grey leggings/tights and a white, cream or light grey top.

4. Paint your mummy with white or light grey around the face and a darker colour, like black or dark grey around the eyes.

(Always spot-test skin a day or two before).

5. To add authenticity, attach plastic spiders, insects and rats to the costume or drape some fake cobweb over it once complete.

1. Draw the shape of a monster’s face onto cardboard and cut out 2. Measure up the eyes of the person who’s going to wear the masks and cut eye-holes in the cardboard 3. Scrunch up newspaper balls into varying sizes to create monster warts and extra eyes 4. Glue them into place on your mask 5. Use blends of green paint to create a swamp monster look.

6. Once dry, add ‘hairs’ to the wart (try a bit of broom bristle) and veins to the eyes/dripping blood if desired.

7. Secure some elastic from the edges of the mask using a stapler or glue gun or by punching a hole on either side of the cardboard and threading through some string/elastic 8. Put on your mask and get out there to scare people!

Most babies learn best when they see, hear, feel, touch, taste and smell.

“Would you like an adventure now, or shall we have our tea first?”

Peter Pan, J. M. Barrie

Sneak a peek, it’s all amazing!

Woohoo! It’s time for Toddler Sense

Our multi-award winning classes will introduce you and your baby (or babies) to a world of sensory delights, where you can relax, spend quality time with each other and enjoy meeting other new parents.

A place where structured play goes hand in hand with imagination, the freedom to explore, and adventure! Each week has a unique theme, creating a whole new world of magical delights.

To find out more:

To find out more:

Enter your postcode at www.babysensory.com

Enter your postcode at www.toddlersense.com

E mai l :redbridge@babysensory.co.uk

Email redbridge@toddlersense.co.uk Toddler Sense Redbridge Check Classes at: Wanstead, S Woodford, Buckhurst Hill and more!

C h e c k

Baby Sensory UK

C las s e sat :many locations all over East London!

We’ve done the research; so you can enjoy the fun...

BS_A6_Advert_Image-1_Postcode_Update_1.indd 1

www.babysensory.com

www.toddlersense.com

We’ve done the research; so you can enjoy the fun...

TS_A6_Advert_Image-1_Postcode.indd 1 19/01/2015 17:42

To advertise in Families East London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familieseast.co.uk

14/10/2014 23:45

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book corner

Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Autumn book selection for you to enjoy. Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free book review website for primary children in homes and schools.

Room

Reading

Ed’s See these reviews, download the specially written reading activities for these books and buy the books online at www.EdontheWeb.com. Have fun reading!

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS

5-7

Knight in Training: Dragons Can’t Swim

by Vivian French (Hodder £4.99)

Ed says: ‘Sam’s ambition is to become a Very Noble Knight but he has no idea how to do this. He and his doodlebird are packed off to Mothscale Castle to stay with his tiresome cousin Prune and several wild beasts including a little dragon called Godfrey. Godfrey gets stuck down a well and while Sam and Prune try to rescue him Sam makes an amazing discovery which could help him in his quest. Will Sam find his True Companion and can he accomplish the tasks to achieve his ambition?

‘Sam and Prune’s adventure is the first in an exciting new series. It is a lively and entertaining story with great illustrations that will be enjoyed by both boys and girls.’

Stitch Head: The Beast of Grubbers Nubbin

by Guy Bass (Stripes £5.99)

Ed says: ‘Stitch Head is the creation of mad professor Erasmus of Castle Grotteskew. He would like to hide away in the shadows but he must do all he can to keep the castle and its monstrous inhabitants safe.

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Stitch Head has to contend with a crowd of rioting human children – who are getting very hungry. With Guzzlin’ Day approaching, he and his friend Arabella hope to find food in Grubbers Nubbin but they are thwarted by a terrifying beast. Is it the professor’s latest creation?

Can they overcome the beast before it is too late?

‘This adventure of the likeable Stitch Head is an atmospheric tale that will delight young readers who enjoy quirky characters, a fast-paced story and great illustrations.’

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

7+

The Bolds

by Julian Clary (Andersen £6.99)

Ed says: ‘When the Bolds arrive in West London they are seen to be rather unusual.

Perhaps that is because they are not human – they are hyenas! They try to keep this fact a secret, often with very funny consequences. A visit to the local safari park heralds the start of a new chapter in the Bolds’ lives with their daring rescue of another hyena. But for how long will they be able to keep their secret from their nosy neighbour?

And will they ever be accepted in the neighbourhood?

‘Here is a hilarious tale that is full of warmth and fun thanks to the delightful characters and inventive storyline. It is sure to be a great hit!’

www.familieseast.co.uk

Binny in Secret

by Hilary McKay (Hodder £10.99)

Ed says: ‘The holidays are over and it’s back to school. Binny hates everything about it so when a storm damages their house and they have to move Binny hopes to escape from school – but not for long.

When one of the chickens disappears and Binny finds strange footprints she has a mystery to solve. It would be so much easier if she had a friend. Binny’s story is interwoven with a tale of three children in the same area a hundred years ago who have to face the onset of war.

‘This is a fantastic book in which the characters’ hopes, thoughts and worries are captured brilliantly. It is a real pageturner, a lot of the time very funny but also poignant.’

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Ed’s Reading Room is at www.

EdontheWeb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating.

See Maggie’s latest ebooks at www.

WalkWalk.co.uk.

You are very welcome to contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at maggiehumphreys@aol.com.

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clubs and classes

Clubs & Classes In this section we feature the very best clubs and classes in East London. This season there is a wealth of great clubs and classes to attend. If you would like your class to feature in this section please call 020 8202 2034.

Art & Craft LEMON ARTLAB lemonartlab.com hello@lemonartlab.com Art History Workshops Learn about art in a different and creative way in various locations in East London.

Explore how to use a wide range of art materials and study famous artists and their styles. Also child friendly art visits to museums and galleries. Events also at Hackney City Farm and Guildhall Art Gallery. Options in Spanish and art birthday parties also available.

STEPNEY CITY FARM Stepney Way, E1 3DG ( 020 7790 8204 stepneycityfarm.org

Stepney Green)

Shouldn’t you be seen in the Number 1 magazine for families and young people in East London?

Contact adverts@familieseast.co.uk.

Crafty Saturdays October 3, November 7 Rural arts and crafts workshops.

Age restrictions apply.

Halloween Special October 31 Wood-pumpkin carving, pottery-bug bowls and lanterns.

Learning & tuition EXPLORE LEARNING Hornchurch 01708 629 620 Lakeside 01708 869 650 Romford 01708 767 819 Woodford Green 020 8090 6716 explorelearning.co.uk Tuition Centres Tailored courses to support children

of all abilities to become confident and engaged learners, providing Maths, English and 11+ tuition. Children attend centres twice a week on a drop-in basis and centres are open seven days a week.

Childcare vouchers accepted. 5-14 years.

FLEET TUTORS 0845 644 5452 fleet-tutors.co.uk

Tuition Help students reach their potential with private home tutoring.

LA PETITE ÉCOLE DES CROCODILES 83a Downs Park Road, E5 8NP 07749 973 791 info@les-crocodiles.org French French classes for francophone children 0-14 years on Tuesdays & Wednesdays; French for English speaking children on Mondays; Drama in French 8+ years on Saturdays, French library twice monthly and Little French Film Festival. Play, songs and stories for young children, writing, grammar, spelling, reading and drama classes for older children.

Ecole FLAM (Français Langue Maternelle) for children aged 0-12. Also French classes for non-French speakers and one-to-one tuition.

Also visit our French Library with a choice of more than 1,000 books and magazines in French.

Based in Hackney, E5. Saturday classes @ Baden Powell Primary School from 10am to 1pm.

Info@les-crocodiles.org biblio@les-crocodiles.org www.les-crocodiles.org

READING EGGS readingeggs.co.uk Online Programme Comprehensive range of online reading lessons and eBooks to teach children literacy skills and to make learning phonics and basic reading skills fun. Hundreds of reading lessons and activities to explore. 3-13 years.

To advertise in Families East London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familieseast.co.uk

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clubs and classes snowboarders. 7-15 years. Family private lessons and family sledging sessions also available.

TRY TIME KID’S RUGBY Victoria Park, Stratford Dulwich, St Albans, Richmond, Wandsworth 01252 794150 trytimekidsrugby.com sales@trytimekidsrugby.com Classes Rugby based play sessions to develop social, mental and physical skills.

Experienced and enthusiastic coaches.

Free trial class. 2-7 years.

Theatre workshops

Fun Palaces at the Half Moon Theatre

ARCOLA THEATRE

Performing arts JIGSAW PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL Ilford, Edmonton 020 8447 4530 jigsaw-arts.co.uk Classes Weekend dance, drama and singing classes with shows and performances.

Two week trial available. 3-18 years.

PERFORM Barbican, Chigwell, Chingford, Epping, Hackney, Loughton, Stoke Newington, Victoria Park, Walthamstow, Wanstead, Woodford Green 020 7255 9120 perform.org.uk enquiries@perform.org.uk Term Time From September 1 Weekly drama classes for 4-7 years and 7-12 years. Younger children can boost confidence, improve

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communication, make friends and have fun with an Arthurian adventure. Older children will rehearse a unique adaptation of Romeo and Juliet with hip hop sounds, street moves and songs. Free trials available.

THE ANNA FIORENTINI THEATRE & FILM SCHOOL Based in North London, Hackney, Bethnal Green, Docklands and Lewisham 020 7682 1403 annafiorentini.com Theatre & Film School Drama, singing, dance, film, set and costume design with shows, competitions, annual Oscar Night and holiday schools. Students get the chance to be considered for professional work via the agency, Lamda qualifications and master classes in stagecraft, hair and makeup and presenting. Classes on Saturdays in North London and Hackney, Tuesdays in Bethnal Green, Wednesdays in Docklands and Thursdays in Lewisham. Free taster days – check online for dates and reserve a place.

4-18 years/Fiorentini Weenies for 3-6 years.

www.familieseast.co.uk

YOUNG & TALENTED Oxford House, Bethnal Green, E2 6HG and Broadway Theatre, Barking, IG11 7LS 020 8556 5348 youngandtalented.co.uk Classes Acting, singing and dancing classes on Saturdays with theatre productions.

3-16 years in Bethnal Green and 5-19 years in Barking.

Sport FIT FOR SPORT 0845 456 3233 fitforsport.co.uk Activity Camps Sports, games and activities.

3-12 years.

24 Ashwin Street, Dalston, London E8 3DL (Dalston Kingsland ) 020 7503 1646 arcolatheatre.com Youth Theatre Performance skills workshops.

Waiting lists may apply. 9-17 years.

HALFMOON THEATRE 43 White Horse Road, E1 OND (Stepney Green/Limehouse ) 020 7709 8900 halfmoon.org.uk Fun Palaces October 3 Storytelling, art and music workshops.

Free.

STRATFORD CIRCUS

snozoneuk.com/family-fun 0871 222 5673

Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX ( Stratford) 0844 357 2625 stratford-circus.com

Snocamps Supervised ski and snowboard lessons during every school holiday. Suitable for beginners and experienced skiers/

Family Day Fun Palaces October 3 Free drop-in workshops, activities and performances. Some charges may apply.

SNOZONE

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cinema • museums • exhibitions places to go

Places To Go

Your guide to East London Family Entertainment

Welcome to our great seasonal guide of all the very best places for you to visit. We hope you enjoy all your days out. To advertise in this section call 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familieseast.co.uk.

Cinema BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 020 7638 4141 barbican.org.uk/film/families Framed Film Club September 19, 26 Saturday morning films for children.

Cost £3.50/£2.50.

VUE WESTFIELD STRATFORD CITY 2 Stratford Place, E20 1EJ ( Stratford) 08712 240 240 Kids AM Film screenings for children every weekend and during the school holidays.

Cost £1.99/£2.79 3Dfilms.

Museums & Exhibitions BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH ( Bank) 020 7601 5545 bankofengland.co.uk Open House London Weekend September 19, 20 Guided tours. Visit areas not generally

accessible to the public. No booking necessary. Free.

020 7739 9893 geffrye-museum.org.uk

The Big Draw October 26-30 How does the Bank keep the economy on a steady course? Jump aboard the boat to find out, take part in design competitions and win a prize. Free.

Free activities allocated on a first-comefirst-served basis. Children under 11 years must be accompanied by an adult.

BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG ( Tottenham Court Road) 020 7323 8000 britishmuseum.org Half Term Events October 24-November 1 Various activities for all ages.

Check online for specific events and age ranges. Free.

FASHION & TEXTILE MUSEUM 83 Bermondsey Street SE1 3XF ( London Bridge) 020 7407 8664 Liberty in Fashion From October 9 Celebrate the 140th anniversary of Liberty’s relationship with designers since 1875. Cost £9/children under 12 years free.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM Kingsland Road, E2 8EA ( Old Street or Hoxton

)

Ceramics in the City September 26, 27 Visit the Ceramics in the City fair and take part in drop-in craft sessions Accompanied children under 11 years.

Free.

Painted Porcelain September 26 Paint a ceramic item. Drop-in workshop.

Crazy Ceramic Headwear September 27 Create ceramic headwear. Drop-in workshop.

Making Home: Young People’s Take Over Family Day October 18 Biscuit baking, decorating plant pots, treasure hunt and family activities.

Cosy Time October 29-November 1 Half term activities based on keeping warm and cosy at home – paint mugs for hot chocolate, print cushion covers, make beeswax candles and other family activities. 5-16 years.

Home Sweet Home October 29-November 1 Half term nursery rhyme activities with stories, songs and craft activities.

2-5 years.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ ( Waterloo) 020 7416 5000 iwm.org.uk Black Poppies – Britain’s Black Community and the Great War October 31 Illustrated talk and displays. Suitable for families and adults.

MUSEUM OF LONDONDOCKLANDS West India Quay, E14 4AL (DLR West India Quay) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands

Geffrye Museum

River Family Festival September 26 Explore the Thames with craft activities and stories. 5+ years. Free.

Natural History Museum

Peg Dolls October 29 Make a peg doll like the toys from the Victorian era. 5+ years. Free.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD ( South Kensington) 020 7942 5000 nhm.ac.uk Wildlife Garden Until October 31 Wildlife conservation area with plants, woodland and meadow. Free.

ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, SE10 9NF (DLR Cutty Sark) 020 8858 4422 rmg.co.uk National Maritime Museum Half Term Events October 26-30 Learn about the world’s oceans and create monsters and masks. All ages. Free.

National Maritime Museum Halloween Events October 31 Come in fancy dress for a family day of fun and frights! Spooky activities and scary maritime stories. All ages. Free.

UPMINSTER TITHE BARN MUSEUM Hall Lane, Upminster, RM14 1AU ( Upminster + bus) upminstertithebarn.co.uk Open Days September 19, 20, October 3, 4

To advertise in Families East London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familieseast.co.uk

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places to go theatres • concerts • special events October Half Term October 26-30 Various drawing activities as part of the Big Draw. Some charges may apply.

WILLIAM MORRIS GALLERY Lloyd Park, Forest Road, London E17 4PP (Walthamstow Central ) 020 8496 4390 wmgallery.org.uk Open House London September 20 Guided tour and events. Free.

‘Baddies: The Musical’ at the Unicorn Theatre

V&A MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL ( South Kensington) 020 7942 2000 vam.ac.uk Captain Linnaeus Tripe Until October 11 Photographs of India and Burma from 1854-1860. Part of the India Festival.

Free.

Digital Design Weekend September 26, 27 Family friendly activities.

Free. Some ticketed events.

London Design Festival September 27 Themed events, talks and workshops.

Free and ticketed events.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA ( Bethnal Green) 020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk Imaginary Friend Workshop September 19 Turn imaginary friends into drawings and sculptures with the help of designers and model makers. All ages. Drop-in. Free.

Chinese Festival Day September 27 Dance performances, paper cutting and calligraphy workshops. All ages. Free drop-in.

Theatre Shows & Concerts HACKNEY EMPIRE 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central ) 020 8985 2424 hackneyempire.co.uk What the Ladybird Heard September 15-16 Colourful farmyard adventure with songs, puppets and audience participation. £12/ £9 for schools and groups of 10+ receive the 11th ticket free.

Horrible Histories Groovy Greeks & Incredible Invaders October 7-11 Two new shows live on stage with actors and 3D special effects. Separate bookings apply for each show. Cost £10-£20.

Jack and the Beanstalk November 21-January 3 Advance booking and early bird discounts for the annual pantomime show. Cost £10-£34.

HALFMOON THEATRE 43 White Horse Road, E1 OND (Stepney Green/Limehouse ) 020 7709 8900 halfmoon.org.uk The Elves and the Shoemaker September 26 Puppets and music. 3+ years. Cost £6.

Natural History Museum

Where Caterpillars Go October 24 The cycle of life. 2-5 years. Cost £6.

Snow Child October 31 Story about family, love and dreams.

3-7 years. Cost £6.

Circles in the Sand November 14 Explore sand in new ways. 0-3 years.

Cost £6.

PEACOCK THEATRE Portugal Street, WC2A 2HT ( Holborn) 020 7863 8222 peacocktheatre.com Shaolin September 29-October 17 Traditional Shaolin Kung Fu – ancient martial art, movements with weapons and combat demonstrations. Cost £15-£38/under 16s half price.

Into the Hoods: Remixed October 23-November 14 New choreography, remixed soundtrack and fresh designs with hip hop dance theatre ZooNation Dance Company.

Cost £15-£38/under 16s half price.

The Snowman From November 25 Advance booking for Christmas show with music, storytelling and magic.

Cost £15-£35.

STRATFORD CIRCUS Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX ( Stratford) 0844 357 2625 stratford-circus.com 16 Singers October 29-31 Rhythms and song. 0-18 months.

Cost £12.

Halloween Family Rave November 1 Bubbles, cannons, balloons and play area.

0-8 years. Cost £6.

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com

‘A Mano’ at the Unicorn Theatre

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Breaking The Ice Until October 4 Get involved in the fun with projected images that mirror the audience’s movements. 2-5 years. Cost £8-£18.

Raw October 16-17 Dance piece about being a child and about growing up in a chaotic world.

10+ years. Cost £8-£18.

The Zombie the Witch and the Wardrobe October 29-31 Drama games, Halloween treats and makeovers. Under 18 years. Cost £8.

A Mano (By Hand) October 29-November 1 A story about a very small but very special hero. 4+ years. Cost £8-£18.

Baddies: The Musical November 3-December 24 Meet fairy tales’ most villainous characters with live music on stage.

6+ years. Cost £12-£24.

WILTON’S MUSIC HALL Graces Alley, E1 8JB ( 020 7702 2789 wiltons.org.uk

Aldgate East)

The Magic of Music Hall – Family Weekender October 24, 25 Free family weekend of arts and crafts activities, sing along, displays and exhibitions.

Special Events BIG DRAW FESTIVAL thebigdraw.org Throughout October Various events to promote an interest in drawing and art.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH blackhistorymonth.org.uk Throughout October Local events to celebrate Black cultural heritage.

Africa on the Square london.gov.uk/events

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special events places to go

October 10 Celebrate African culture at Trafalgar Square. Free.

DANCE UMBRELLA danceumbrella.co.uk October 15-31 International dance events at various locations.

EFG LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk November 13-22 Various jazz events at venues across London.

FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL familyartsfestival.com October 9-November 1 National festival held at various locations including Museum of London, Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge, Sadler’s Wells, V & A Museum and Wilton’s Music Hall.

FIREWORKS DISPLAY Early November Organised displays held every year on November 5 or early November. Possible venues Enfield Town Park, Lord Mayor’s Show, Crystal Palace, Waltham Forest Town Hall and Barking Park.

FUN PALACES funpalaces.co.uk October 3, 4 Annual local events in arts and sciences with events taking place at Half Moon Theatre, Queens Theatre, Unicorn Theatre and Vestry House.

HACKNEY ONE CARNIVAL hackney.gov.uk/carnival September 13 Carnival parade, food and entertainment.

LEE VALLEY PARK visitleevalley.org.uk Countryside Live September 26 Countryside activities at Leyton Marsh.

Spooky Boat Ride October 29 At Broxbourne Riverside. 5-12 years.

LORD MAYOR’S SHOW lordmayorsshow.london November 14 Procession held between Bank and Aldwych with a fireworks display at the end of the day.

OPEN HOUSE openhouselondon.org.uk

‘Our Teacher’s a Troll’ at the Half Moon Theatre

September 19, 20 Access to buildings not normally open to the public included Hackney Empire, Geffrye Museum, Unicorn Theatre and William Morris Gallery.

PAYCOCKE’S HOUSE AND GARDEN National Trust, 25 West Street, Coggeshall, Colchester, Essex, CO6 1NS 01376 561305 nationaltrust.org.uk Coggeshall Lace Week October 28-November 1 Demonstrations and samples of Tambour hook lace.

Learn about the world’s oceans and create monsters and masks. All ages. Free.

National Maritime Museum Halloween Events October 31 Come in fancy dress for spooky activities and scary maritime stories. All ages. Free.

SHREK’S ADVENTURE Riverside Building, County Hall, SE1 7PB ( Waterloo) 0871 221 2837 shreksadventure.com

Attraction Walk and ride family attraction with amazing animation. Cost from £23.40.

TOWER HAMLETS NCT BRANCH nct.org.uk/branches/towerhamlets nct.org.uk/courses Nearly New Sale November 7 Check online for more information or contact nns.towerhamlets@nct.org.uk

QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK E15 2ER ( Stratford) QueenElizabethOlympicPark.co.uk Freeze Big Air November 14 Fun snowsports and music event.

More information online.

RICH MIX CINEMA & ARTS CENTRE 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA ( Liverpool Street) 020 7613 7498 richmix.org.uk Mwalimu Express September 20, October 18 Family friendly event featuring a live artist and film from an African country. Free.

Day of the Dead November 1 Music, craft activities and Mexican food to celebrate this tradition. Free.

ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, SE10 9NF (DLR Cutty Sark) 020 8858 4422 rmg.co.uk National Maritime Museum Half Term Events October 26-30

To advertise in Families East London please call on 020 8202 2034 or email adverts@familieseast.co.uk

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THERE’S

A SECRET IN THE FOREST

this christmas

advanced booking essential

0207 434 3111

fatherchristmas@therainforestcafe.co.uk 20 shaftesbury avenue, london w1d 7eu www.therainforestcafe.co.uk /rainforestcaf e london @rainforestcafe